C-Section Mamas [Archive] - ConstantChatter

ButterflyJen

07-13-2005, 03:04 PM

I lurked a bit in this thread on the other site :) so I thought it might be good to start up here, too. Hopefully we can all help each other out with questions and support.

And I have a question to start off! ;) DD is 11 months old and I tried my Pilates tape again yesterday. After a while I could tell I still wasn't ready for all the stomach work. Don't get me wrong, I could use it, but it was starting to hurt. Shouldn't I be able to do that by now? Or am I never going to be able to do Pilates again? (Regular situps are fine, if I don't do a ton of them.)

Also - my scar is still red and bumpy, except in one spot about an inch long. When might that fade and disappear?

HGMorgann

07-13-2005, 03:50 PM

Marisa

07-13-2005, 03:56 PM

Jen -- at almost 18 mos my scar is almost completely faded, except for one end which is still sorta pink and a little bumpy. I hope that you have the same experience. I can't remember when it faded, but it seemed like it was visible for a long time.

HG -- at my 6 week PP visit I remember the OB saying not to get pregnant again for at least 6 months. I told him there wasn't any danger of that, LOL... and he said, "well, good... it's even better if you can wait 12-18 mos." (Little does he know that that's not even what I'm thinking... like, call me when Joey's 4, ok? :D)

littlebear

07-13-2005, 04:11 PM

I had a c-section 8 months ago.

I can do Pilates and all ab work fine with no unusual pain. My abs still feel weaker than before, but I think that might just be a pg thing and not necessarily a c-section thing. Does it just feel like pain because your abs are not strong enough or is it actual pain from the scar? My trainer was saying that your lower abs will take longer to bounce back so maybe that's why some of the Pilates stuff still doesn't feel right, but regular ab work feels OK.

My scar is still red and lumpy. Hoping it goes away soon.

abbylynn

07-13-2005, 05:22 PM

My c/s will be 2 years ago next Friday (where does the time go?!). It's mostly faded away although one side is more faded than the other for some reason. I still haven't done much exercising (don't really need to when you're chasing a 2 year old all day) so I can't answer you ab question.

Burnt Orange

07-13-2005, 08:41 PM

Jen -- I lurked in this thread, too. Glad you started this.

DD is 11 months old and I still have problems with my scar. I should preface this by saying that my incision abscessed at 2.5 weeks and my OB had to open it back up, so it was essentially "open" for about 5 weeks (yuck, I know). I don't know if that has affected my scar, but I have to assume it did. Today, my scar is still bumpy and red. I have a lot of numbness above it. But when I exercise, specifically running, I have a lot of pulling pain. I don't really know how else to describe it. I asked my OB about it and she said it was the scar tissue pulling. Unfortunately, she said it probably won't ever get much better. I have noticed the more I work out, the better it gets. So, strength may be a part of it. I guess this doesn't answer your question, but you're definitely not alone.

ButterflyJen

07-14-2005, 05:21 AM

Marisa - I am sooooo with you on the 12-18 month thing. ;) Yeah, more like when Anna's around 3!

Burnt Orange - that's exactly it - a pulling sort of feeling. So it feels better with more exercise? Okey dokey, must get on that then...

phart

07-14-2005, 07:30 AM

At 20 months my scar is still bumpy in places but mostly faded. I nice pale pink, I think.

My doctor never mentioned how long to wait to get pregnant again. I waited 20 months;) (fingers crossed!)

December27JJB

07-14-2005, 08:04 AM

I had a c-section 1 month ago. It was totally unexpected because the baby turned breech in the last minute. I was terrified but it really wasnt bad at all and I healed within 1 - 2 weeks after the operation. I did have some pain in specific part of the scar more than others. Right now, my scar is still red but its so thin. Although, every once in awhile, when it gets rainy, I can feel slight pain in parts of the scar.

For these of you who plan to get pg again, are you guys going to ask the dr to see if you're a candidate for a vaginal birth? I know it's not recommended but sometimes people do it. I think I will ask my doctor but I've heard it ruptures something if you do VBAC.

Marisa

07-14-2005, 10:20 AM

December -- I am definitely interested in attempting a VBAC. Try not to let horror stories scare you -- the chances of uterine rupture in an otherwise normal VBAC are less than or the same as the chances in many normal vaginal deliveries.

Many drs. will not perform them, that's their choice I suppose -- they don't want the liability. I actually just had my first well-visit with a team of midwives here in NJ who do VBACs (with an OB on standby) -- so I know that I will at least have the option next time around.

I haven't totally made my mind up, though. For me, a vaginal birth is still so unknown -- the c/s would be familiar, at least. What's swaying me is the idea that my preschooler would not be allowed to climb up and hug me, I'd have a longer recovery period and two kids to take care of instead of one, KWIM?

I have a while to figure it out, though. :)

abbylynn

07-14-2005, 10:26 AM

I don't think I'm really a good candidate for a VBAC so I'm not looking into one for next time. My OB told it was up to me what I chose but he thought that my chances for success were less than the statistical norm because of my size (he also told me he had to unwedge DS out of my pelvis because I pushed so well but he didn't fit).

Congrats Shannon!

Marisa, I'm with you on the waiting thing. DS will be 2 next week and although I've got the baby bug again I am not ready just yet. Maybe after he turns 3.

elly

07-14-2005, 12:24 PM

I had a csection with my dd....she just turned 1 and my scar is still red and I guess bumpy in some places. I've never had any pain though. We wanted our children close together so I became pg 6 months after my c section. So far everything has been good......my dr. is willing to do a vbac but after all that I went through last time, I'm choosing to schedule a c section in a few weeks. :D

ButterflyJen

07-14-2005, 12:46 PM

I would love to try a VBAC, but I have to say, I am scared to death of the word "rupture." That word just scares the living daylights out of me. I know the odds are pretty well against it happening, but still....yow. Plus I don't know if they'll let me even think about VBAC as I'll be high risk and monitored very carefully next time. (See why I don't want to go through this again any time soon???)

ann2002

07-14-2005, 01:03 PM

If you asked me a few months after DS was born what I thought for next time I would have been adamant about a VBAC... I think that I wrote a few emotionally charged posts on WC.

Now that it has been almost a year I am starting to feel differently... Now I almost feel like a planned c/s would be emotionally easier than trying for a VBAC and going through the fear and terror of fetal distress to only have a c/s in the end. Not that the fetal distress is a guarantee, but I just don't know if I could mentally deal with the potential for the same experience I had with DS.

phart

07-14-2005, 01:41 PM

Thanks Abby:) It's still early so we've got our fingers crossed.

I will be plannin a VBAC. I changed doctors just for that purpose. My old OB said she'd "be willing to try" but I honestly don't think she'd actually support me the way I need to be supported. So I called the "VABC Doc" in my area and he's fabulous. It's just him and 2 MWs.

Aiden was breech so he said that my chances of a VABC are about 85% and I find that to be very reassuring.

Natasha

07-14-2005, 01:43 PM

I had an emergency c-sec, so I have the vertical scar from belly button to pubis. I healed and faded pretty quick, though. I am currently 22 weeks pregnant with #2 (DS is 2.5), and I am seriously considering VBAC. My doc said as long as the uterine incision is horizontal (it is), I should be fine. I am a little scared about a VBAC turning into a c-sec. My son was an emergency because he was late (3 weeks), and then they induced me, and his heart rate dropped.

phart

07-14-2005, 01:49 PM

I'm impressed they let you go to 3 weeks "over due"!

Good luck with you VBAC if that's how it goes:-)

gardenmommy

07-14-2005, 02:59 PM

Hey ladies....it looks like I will likely have a c-section...we just scheduled one for July 29 because our baby is still breech.

A couple questions for you...

*How long was it until you were cleared to have sex again after birth? I'm not raring to go or anything but I was just browsing the sex after delivery thread and wondered if the waiting period is any different for c-section mamas.

*Was climbing stairs as difficult as the doctors make it sound? We have a 3 story house and I know I will have to do stairs at least once a day...

*Also any advice you have for a mom who knows she will have a c-section? Anything you would have liked to have done differently or had on hand to make recovery easier?

TIA for any helpful advice! ;)

ButterflyJen

07-14-2005, 03:03 PM

gardenmommy - Do you have a tall bed? If so - you will definitely want something to help you climb in and out of it. Ours is fairly tall and there was no way I could get in and out without a stepstool of some sort.

Stairs weren't awful for me, but I limited myself to going down them after DD woke up for the morning and then going back up when I was ready to go to bed. Otherwise, I stayed downstairs the whole day. DD napped in her Pack 'n Play so I didn't have to worry about that at all.

I wasn't cleared until my 8-week PP visit (it got pushed back because my OB was a little busy).

littlebear

07-14-2005, 04:19 PM

I was cleared for sex at 6 weeks post-partum. I did the stairs several times a day and never had any pain. I think I got really lucky because my incision healed really quickly, and I was never in much pain. Once the initial painkillers wore off, I never took anything else. As for a VBAC, I've thought about it, but at this point I don't think it's something that I want to do. I had an emergency c-section under anesthesia because the epidural wasn't working fast enough, and we completely lost the baby's heart rate. He was a preemie so they wanted to move quickly to get him out. I really want to be able to see my next child born so I'm pretty sure that I'll schedule a c-section rather than risk another scary situation.

Marisa

07-14-2005, 04:35 PM

Jennifer -- I was cleared at the 6-week visit as well, but I think it really just depends on how well your incision is healing. Mine was healing fine but I didn't really feel up to it until maybe 8 weeks or so.

Definitely set yourself up an area where you can be most of the day. I was actually home on 'bed rest' for the last week or so of my pregnancy, so I'd already done this -- set up the laptop near the couch, programmed the Tivo, put an extra toothbrush/hairbrush/etc. in the downstairs bathroom... Walking upstairs wasn't really hard at all, but don't push yourself too hard the first week or two. I think I did, and I regretted it when I still didn't feel like myself after 6 weeks.

LISTEN to them when they tell you not to lift anything heavier than the baby! DON'T lift the baby in the car seat!! Have someone do it for you! :)

One thing that my aunt ran out to get me was a pack of big ol' granny panties. I got a couple of pairs from the hospital, but it was nice to also have real Victoria's Secret ones to wear once I was home, too (one small step toward normalcy, LOL). I typically wear the hipster style, and the waistband on those hits right where the incision went. You'll want the cover-your-bellybutton style, in a size up from what you were pre-PG.

More thoughts on VBAC.... I guess I am a good candidate for it b/c my c/s wasn't an emergency. I mean, it was, don't get me wrong -- but it was because of bad positioning when it came right down to it. My labor stalled at 8 cm for about 6 hours, because Joey decided to try to look up as he descended through the birth canal. (We had no idea until he was born and we saw bruises on his forehead.) Since it was just a positioning issue I have no other reason to believe I couldn't have the next baby vaginally.

Winter Biscuit

07-14-2005, 07:44 PM

I also had a c-section due to CPD - cephalopelvic disproportion. At my very first prenatal appt with the OB/GYN (12 weeks), he did an internal and told me that my pelvic bones are very close together. He said it concerned him and we would have to wait and see if they naturally spread out a little due throughout the pregnancy. He also told me to try not to gain more than 20 pounds ( :eek: ) during the pregnancy because he didnt' want the baby to grow too big.

My pregnancy progressed normally and I had no problems. I gained 30 pounds total, by my OB never said anything when I went past 20 pounds and I never brought it up because I felt like it was only NORMAL to gain more. I don't know a single woman who has only gained 20 pounds (except someone who spent her whole pregnancy battling horrible morning sickness and couldn't keep ANY food down).

Toward the end, nothing happened the way it was "supposed" to. My DD was 11 days late and she was still " high" up. She was not breech, but she was not fully engaged either. She never managed to get into position, and I never dilated, never had any contractions, etc. My OB thought that I didn't dilate or contract because my DD never got into position. He felt that my body never got the "signal" that it was time for things to happen. My OB gave us 5 options to consider, and basically 3 of them involved a c-section. We scheduled an ultrasound to get an estimate of how big the baby was. My OB said he didn't think I'd be able to push out a baby that was bigger than 6.5 pounds due to the size of my pelvis; he just didn't think the baby's head would fit through. Well, the ultrasound predicted that the baby was 8lbs 13 oz. :eek: They said there was about a 1/2 pound margin of error, so it could be 9 pounds or it could be less, but they estimated it would be at least 8 pounds. At that point, DH and I decided that the best and safest option would be to schedule a c-section rather than get induced and see what happened. (I did NOT want to be induced and experience the intense contractions from pitocin only to end up needing a c-section.)

We had the c-section the next morning and DD was 7 lbs 12 oz. I remember lying there on the operating table thinking, "Where's that 8 pound baby you said I was going to have?" :rolleyes:

DD is 19 months old now, and I'm in no hurry to have another one. I haven't decided how I feel about a VBAC. My last OB told me that just because I had CPD with my first pregnancy does not mean that I will have it for any future pregnancies, and he told me that a VBAC was certainly a possibility. However, I am scared of the possibility of uterine rupture. But I am also very curious about a vaginal birth. I guess we'll just wait and see! :)

blessed02

07-14-2005, 10:50 PM

I had a repeat c-section with my second child, and oh my LORD, the recovery was so easy compared to the first! The lack of an extended and painful labor meant that I had so much more physical energy going into the recovery. I considered myself pretty much recovered after barely a week post-partum (though I kept taking ibuprofen once a day until two weeks ppm, preventatively).

For my second c/s, my doc used Dermabond for the incision, versus staples the first time. The staples left a thin, raised scar. The Dermabond left NO scar at all. I'm serious. It's virtually invisible - it looks like a paper cut - at 4 weeks postpartum. (They cut out the scar tissue from the first c/s for a repeat c.)

Did anyone else get the Dermabond? It's like a surgical "super glue" for the skin, often used in plastic-surgery type procedures. I don't know why they don't use Dermabond more often; it's miraculous. My doc decided to use it on my second c/s because I had had an allergic reaction to the adhesive on the bandages the first time. You don't have to use heavy-duty bandages with Dermabond.

ButterflyJen

07-15-2005, 05:10 AM

Dermabond sounds awesome - I'd love to try that, if I can! I've often wondered if it was the staples making my scar so bumpy and raised, since they can only cover so much ground (versus stitches or something like Dermabond). I'll have to remember to ask about that when the time comes, if it's determined that I'll need another C.

jennylou

07-15-2005, 05:21 AM

Another C-mom here. DD is only 4.5 months, so I cant offer advice to you, ButterflyJen, but just wanted to stop in!

Does anyone know how long drs. recommend waiting for another pg? Just curious moreso. :-)

My OB has cleared me to start trying whenever I am ready - this was about 7 weeks PP. Of course, I have healed really well. Also, if the circumstances were different for us and we had a healthy baby still here with us, I'm sure she would have recommended waiting a year or so.

I'd like to try a VBAC, but won't if we get pregnant quickly. If there is the 18 months (general rule of thumb) between the birth of Andrew and the next baby then I would try a VBAC. Otherwise, we'll just have a repeat C.

We did not wait six weeks to have sex.

abbylynn

07-15-2005, 06:17 AM

I had a repeat c-section with my second child, and oh my LORD, the recovery was so easy compared to the first! The lack of an extended and painful labor meant that I had so much more physical energy going into the recovery. I considered myself pretty much recovered after barely a week post-partum (though I kept taking ibuprofen once a day until two weeks ppm, preventatively).
Thank you for posting this! I always suspected that a planned c/s vs. one after labor and pushing would be easier to recover from so its nice to hear from someone who's done both.

I labored all day with pitocin and an epidural. Went to 10cm about 3 hours earlier than everyone thought I would and then pushed for about 2-2.5 hours before I said I couldn't do it anymore. I think my OB knew this would be the case as he had already called his associate and asked her to standby.

gardenbride ~ Stairs never really bothered me after my c/s. I just remember taking them (and doing everything else) very slowly for a while.

ce_Kathleen

07-15-2005, 08:58 AM

Hello another C-section momma here! My DS is 11 months old on Sunday and my scar is very faint and only ~2-3 inches long. I had staples and then those steristrips.

phart My DS was also breech and thus a scheduled c-section. I had heard that we have a better chance of VBAC? I didn't even go into labor, I didn't dilate, I didn't even efface! So I guess there is no way of knowing if I could have vaginally delivered or not.

I am not sure about the VBAC. When I go to my Dr (once my bloodwork comes back the they do the ultrasound to date my PG) I am going to talk to him about it. On one hand I would love to experience labor and delivery, but on the other I know what to expect with a scheduled C and it will be so much easier to plan to have someone watch DS and all that.

I guess I am just scared of the unknown with a VBAC but I think if my Dr will let me I want to try.

phart

07-15-2005, 10:18 AM

ce_Kathleen ~~Yeah, according to my dcotor I have an 85% chance of having a VBAC. He also mentioned that generally speaking if you labor with no interventions or drugs that that ups your chances as well. And this is why I switched to him and his midwives:-)

Jessie

07-15-2005, 12:41 PM

allyray231

07-15-2005, 12:45 PM

C-section mom here becuase of a Breech abby

*How long was it until you were cleared to have sex again after birth? I'm not raring to go or anything but I was just browsing the sex after delivery thread and wondered if the waiting period is any different for c-section mamas.
6 weeks

*Was climbing stairs as difficult as the doctors make it sound? We have a 3 story house and I know I will have to do stairs at least once a day...
I did a few stairs and it seemed to be OK

*Also any advice you have for a mom who knows she will have a c-section? Anything you would have liked to have done differently or had on hand to make recovery easier?
I found the recovery in the hospital really bad but once I got home it was better. Just take it easy-it is hard becuase once you feel better you feel like you can do anything. I am 5 weeks PP and still have some soreness when I walk too much

gardenmommy

07-15-2005, 02:28 PM

Thanks so much for the great advice so far ladies..keep it coming for all the c-sections moms to be!

wagsgirl

07-15-2005, 05:45 PM

A 2 c-section mama here, too. I was in 27 hours of induced labor that ended in a cs with my daughter. that was a hard recovery. With my DS, I scheduled a cs and was up and about 6 hours after surgery and I was feeling 100% within a week, probably less. He's only 5 months old now, and I can't remember, but I'm sure it was less than a week.

I really wanted a VBAC, but DS was getting "big" according to the docs and labor wasn't going, so I scheduled the cs at 39w. Funny, 3 weeks before the cs, he was estimated at 8 1/2 lbs. He ended up being only 8lbs 6oz at birth. Less than what was predicted 3 weeks earlier. Whatever. If I could do it again, I would have gone to the full 40 weeks and if he hadn't come by then, had a cs.

BTW, congrats blessed02!! I used to lurk in your DD's journal and then your boa journal over in WC. I posted once or twice, I think, but was always intimidated. Not sure why...Isn't the 2nd so much fun? I'm sure your daughter is having a blast with a little one around. I know my DD is!

Winter Biscuit- I don't know a single woman who has only gained 20 pounds

You do now!! ;) I gained 20 with my daughter and 21 with my son. Although, I started with alot to begin with, so I didn't really need to gain any. :)

alliesmomma03

07-17-2005, 07:46 PM

I haven't read all the posts but it has almost been three years since I had my c-section and like everyone elses one side was more pink then the other and lumpy so when I went back tot he dr for my check up the nurse told me that one side usually is because that is the side the doctor stands on to pull the baby from. A little piece of information that made me feel better so I thought I would pass it on

SAMIKE32700

07-18-2005, 04:54 AM

I am scheduled for my first C-section this Friday. I have to admit am a tad bit nervous. My son is breeched and I didn't want to try and turn him. What's the hardest part about the C?? How long before you were able to get up and walk around the hospital??

Thanks

ButterflyJen

07-18-2005, 05:04 AM

For me, the hardest part about the surgery was having to wait in the recovery room until I was able to wiggle my toes before I could see DD. I don't know if that's standard, though - DD was in a warmer for quite some time so they couldn't bring her to see me in recovery. It sucked, though - my DH was in the nursery with her as well as BOTH sets of grandparents, and I'd seen her, once, for about 30 seconds. :(

Otherwise, though, I didn't find it that bad. Yes, it was terrifying to me at the time, but now looking back the surgery itself wasn't scary at all.

ann2002

07-18-2005, 06:32 AM

I think that the hardest thing for me about the c/s was the fact that I wasn't mentally prepared for it -- I was in labor for 15 hours overnight before having the surgery and we were worried about the baby and exhausted.

The first hours of recovery were tough - It was hard not to be able to move my legs when my body was telling them to move. I was also really nauseaus from the meds. In terms of pain, the first 24 hours were tough, after that it got progressively easier.

I think that the first time I got up out of bed was about 6-8 hours later - The RN helped me quite a bit though... I really didn't walk anywhere, the RN just wanted me to stand up and take a few steps.

Good luck !

phart

07-18-2005, 07:03 AM

alliesmomma ~~That's intersesting to hear. The doc was on my right and that's the side that is bumpy.

Jen ~~:( I'm sorry you had to wait so see DD. That's not standard practice at my hospital. They handed me DS in the operating room and I held him as we got wheeled back to my room (no inbetween recovery room). For next time (of there is one) skin-toskin contact is one of the fastest ways to warm baby up:-)

worst part? ~~That nasty stuff I was made to suck down so I didn't asperate stomach acid into my lungs. Blech! But, my c/b was panned and I think that had a lot to do with the ease of things. I recovered very quickly.

ButterflyJen

07-18-2005, 07:33 AM

Shannon - it was actually for good reason that she was in a warmer. She was IUGR and had absolutely no fat on her whatsoever (weighed 5lb, 3oz), had to be resuscitated at birth, initial APGAR of 3, etc. I had an emergency C because she was not tolerating labor at all! It was for the best that she was in there, it just sucked that I couldn't see her. :( Normally I think the standard practice (at that BC anyway) was rooming-in, skin-to-skin afterwards, etc. but in DD's case it couldn't happen. I think she was 5 days old before she was allowed to be in our room and out of her isolette for longer than an hour at a time, because she couldn't hold her body temperature.

Hopefully next time we won't have to worry about all of that! (Of course, now we've moved and I don't know what kind of BC we'll be dealing with this time!)

phart

07-18-2005, 07:44 AM

Jen ~~:( I'm sorry. Totally didn't mean to sound mouthy at all. I just hate hearing about hospitals that don't let you see your baby, etc because of their practices and not because baby needs special care, ya know? I get a little riled up sometimes;)

ButterflyJen

07-18-2005, 08:44 AM

Oh, you didn't sound mouthy or anything! I didn't explain DD's situation when I posted originally, so there was no way you could have known. :) It's all good! Believe me, I wanted to do all of that skin-to-skin, first hour BFing, etc with DD but it was just not in the cards for us.

allyray231

07-18-2005, 02:46 PM

Hardest part-getting out if bed the first time

diedra1027

07-18-2005, 04:48 PM

worst part? ~~That nasty stuff I was made to suck down so I didn't asperate stomach acid into my lungs. Blech! FLASHBACKS!! Is that what that stuff was for?!?! The nurse who preped me for my c/s (also planned) was great, but English was not her first language. She was talking so fast that I didn't catch what she said when she explained it to me and I was too adrenalined out to ask her to repeat. Holy Smokes that stuff was awful...I spent about 2 hours post c/s barfing it back out (in front of my father and my in-laws no less!). UGG!

Winter Biscuit

07-18-2005, 07:23 PM

alliesmomma
worst part? ~~That nasty stuff I was made to suck down so I didn't asperate stomach acid into my lungs. Blech!

That sounds horrible. :( I had a planned c/s but I didn't have to drink anything. I just had to fast for 12 hours so that my stomach was completely empty, and they also gave me some pills to take before the surgery. Can't even remember what pills they were - I want to say they were similar to what one might take for heartburn or indigestion but I could be totally wrong.

For me, the worst part was getting out of bed the 1st and 2nd times. The 1st time it hurt like hell to get up. I was digging my fingernails into the nurses' arms as they helped me to stand. Once I got back into bed, I felt OK and was all, "Oh, I guess that wasn't so bad after all." I had heard that the more you get up and walk around, the better you will feel, so I figured that the first time getting up was probably going to be the worst. Not for me. The 2nd time I had to get out of bed, it hurt twice as much as the 1st time, and the pain lingered somewhat after I was back in bed.

alienhost

07-18-2005, 08:06 PM

Another c-section momma here. I agree that the worst part was getting out and back into bed the second time - I actually wished I still had the catheter in so I didn't have to get up and go to the bathroom. I think my problem was I didn't get out of bed from the time of delivery until about 18 hours later since I was being monitored still due to preeclampsia. When I finally left the L&D floor the first time I got up it wasn't too terrible for some reason but getting up later on to use the bathroom, I thought I would die. So if you are able, get up and walk when you can.

Advice I can give - keep up with the pain meds in the hospital. Also use a stool softener - the nurses automatically gave them to me and let me tell you it made that first poop a lot easier.

Doing the stairs wasn't too bad, my first stairs were on my discharge date. I then did stairs everyday when I got home, I did have to go slow but it went OK.

ButterflyJen

07-18-2005, 08:12 PM

Another thing - I had no energy whatsoever for long-ish walks. I was near the end of the hallway, so a couple of times I had to go get DD to nurse. Those were very long and tiring walks. The day I was discharged, I had to walk halfway across the hospital to sign up for a hospitality room (DD had to stay another night and we didn't want to leave her there). Let me tell you, I was exhausted after that. It takes a lot out of you.

yoganut

07-18-2005, 09:30 PM

I had my c/s with DS 19 months ago. Funny thing about my scar, half is beautiful and half is all raised and bumpy. It still gets itchy from time to time too.

My situation sounds very similar to Winter Biscut - though my doctor didn't diagnose me with CPD. DS had a huge noggin, and like you, never engaged in position. He was really high up, and nothing every happened (I was like Fort Knox). My ob said a similar thing - that the lack of pressure on the cervix prevented my body from ever giving the 'signal' to get things moving. Also, they thought DS was 10lbs...he ended up being 9lb3oz.

Worst part for me - my second day I hadn't kept up with the pain meds, and had to get up to got to the bathroom. It had been 6 hrs, and I was supposed to take it every 4. Yikes...the pain was so horrible, I was shaking. Have your DH remind you of the time that has elapsed ;)

I am due in early January, and am leaning toward a repeat c/s, though I haven't decided for sure. I know that the hospital I will use does support VBAC, so its definitely an option.

December27JJB

07-19-2005, 06:35 AM

It was hard to:

-get out of bed for the first time
-try to move my legs right after the c-section but couldn't. (I thought my mind was going to explode)
-Push myself up in bed
-bending over (ex. taking off my underwear and putting it on)
-cough or sneeze
-pass gas, I had to walk around the hospital floor in order to get the gas going and wow it was painful when it did come!

....but I will do it all over again. ;)

abbylynn

07-19-2005, 11:26 AM

I am scheduled for my first C-section this Friday. Your DS is going to have the same b-day as my DS! Brandon will be two on Friday!

I think the hardest part of my c/s was getting out of bed the first time. I had a great nurse who removed my catheter and she did it while she was talking to me so I didn't even realize it had happened until it was over (she said that' why she didn't tell me she was doing it so I wouldn't brace for it). I was also terrified to get my stitches out because my OB told me all he had to do was "pull this string" and I kept imagining it be very painful so I made sure to take 2 pain pills before I went but it wasn't that bad.

It took about an hour for DS to be brought into my room. He was brought to my head in the operating room and I kissed his forehead and DH cut the cord and all. He was taken to the nursery for his first bath and all and since the hospital wasn't busy the doctor who did it allowed my parents to come in while DH stayed with me. The delay in getting DS brought to my room (I didn't have a recovery room either) was because he was born right before the shift change.

hmbay

07-19-2005, 11:32 AM

hi ladies. I think I participated in the WC thread but I don't remember anymore. I had a c/s with my first. He was breech then I had low fluid and he was beginning to be distressed. I went from a drs appt to L&D to a c/s within hours. :eek: DS ended up being born 6 weeks early so had a bit of a hospital stay but turned out fine.

I'm 29 weeks now and hoping for a VBAC this time around. I was told I was a good candidate and my hospital allows them but I"ve also been diagnosed with a low-lying placenta right now so I'm very possibly looking at a 2nd c/s.

Everyone says recovery is easier the 2nd time around but is that true for moms who didn't labor the first time? I always assumed the 2nd is easier because you just go in and have it done and don't deal with hours of exhausting labor and emotions before ending up with a c/s.

ButterflyJen

08-10-2005, 10:07 AM

bumping for hope0805 (and any other moms who might need it!)

solongtogo

08-21-2005, 11:13 AM

bumping this up...

I'm about to become a c-section momma on Aug 25. My baby is breech and so low the chances of her turning are not good. I'm petrified out of my mind, not for the actual section, but for the recovery.

KiKi'sMommy

08-21-2005, 06:03 PM

I have to ask a question of you other c-section mommas. Have you had problems with your bowels...I know this is TMI! I seem to be all messed up since my DD was born six months ago. I cramp up and immediately have to go to the bathroom, Plus, I seem to have diarrhea quite a bit...am I just a freak of nature?

HGMorgann

08-21-2005, 07:45 PM

*How long was it until you were cleared to have sex again after birth?
We waited until the PP bleeding stopped - about 3-4 weeks PP.

stairs didnt really have any, so I am no help.

Also any advice you have for a mom who knows she will have a c-section? Anything you would have liked to have done differently or had on hand to make recovery easier?
-Dont pick up the baby in the carrier or heavy things - I did and it hurt and was sore for a few days
-Try to walk around in the hospital as soon as possible. Once you get going, I found it easier to continue going and it gets easier each time to get up, for the most part
- Day three sucks. My mom is an OB nurse and she said this is VERY common for all C-moms. Just hang in there. The next day is better. :-)

yoganut

08-21-2005, 08:43 PM

solongtogo - Hang in there. The recovery isn't a picnic, but I don't think its all that bad either...plus, it is so worth it when you see that baby. My word of advice is take it easy for a while afterwards if you need to (I mean weeks - in terms of not overdoing it), and take the pain meds they offer. Good luck!

Kiki'sMommy - Wow, its funny that you say that. About 9 months after DS, I started having cramping issues and my system seemed to be off. I ended up going through some horribly invasive tests because they thought it could be colitis, just to be diagnosed with IBS (which I guess is a catch all for intestinal issues they can't figure out). I never put it together that my c/s could have contributed but I guess it could have. Now that I am mid-way through my pg with DS#2, I am seriously having issues again. I theorize that it has to do with my sensitive tract being pushed around by my growing uterus, but who knows. Hope you feel better.

Chicksinger

08-22-2005, 10:11 PM

solongtogo My advice is be firm about when you want to see the baby. My son was taken to the nursery (at midnight) and I didn't get to really see him until 9:30 the next morning. I know they needed me to rest, since my c/s was an emergency, but no one told us that DH could go and bring him to me any time we wanted.

Recovery was frustrating and slow for me, but nothing to be scared about. Just a PITA! Have a lot of easy meals planned, things that anyone helping you out can get for you. Write out the instructions if your DH doesn't know his way around the kitchen.

Definitely watch the clock with the pain meds at first, especially on the day you go home. If they wear off, the car ride will be torture. At that point it would hurt to drive over dog hair! Also, have a pillow with you to press against your abdomen to stabilize it. This is recommended for coughing and sneezing, but I think it really helps in the car as well.

Be very careful not to do too much or lift more than the baby--especially if you are not feeling any discomfort thanks to the meds. Overdoing it can prolong your recovery. No housework! I tried to vacuum--big mistake.

allyray231

08-23-2005, 06:59 AM

solongtogo-hang in there--I was in the same boat-it is tough but just remeber-get out of bed and walk!!

prudies

08-23-2005, 09:15 AM

jrdhbunny

08-23-2005, 09:35 AM

solongtogo- I was more terrified of the recovery too. But it wasn't that bad. I had to stay in bed for 24 hours after the surgery and the first time I got up was tough. Turning over in bed was hard, as was laughing (no one told me the pillow "trick"!) and passing gas, however, it got better quickly and by the end of the second day, I was able to stop taking pain medication (even Motrin). I didn't even fill my prescription.

I think the worst part for me was not being able to eat solid food the first day- I was so hungry!

The main thing I regret was that I wasn't able to nurse DS right away. Even though they brought him to me in recovery, I was so shaky and nauseous that I thought I was going to drop him. :( Next time, I'll definitely ignore those feelings!

As for after the hospital, I live on a fifth floor walk-up, so no stairs was a rough rule to follow! I definitely overdid it my first couple of weeks. My advice is the same as everyone else's- no heavy housework (including vaccuming), be careful when picking up the baby, and walk sloooowly.

ButterflyJen

08-23-2005, 09:57 AM

I think the worst part for me was not being able to eat solid food the first day- I was so hungry!
jrdhbunny - are you serious? :( Not five hours after mine, I was propped up in bed eating broccoli and stuffed pasta shells (I remember it all vividly). Must be different policies at different hospitals, but I'm so sorry you weren't allowed to eat.

solongtogo - The recovery isn't fun, but it isn't terrible. One thing I try to mention to women who know they'll have a C: is your bed at home tall? Do you have to climb in and out? If so - get a stepstool or something to help you get in and out. I had a stepstool next to my bed for about a week and it helped so much.

yoganut

08-23-2005, 11:49 AM

I actually have a question for you all...

Has anyone heard of compiling a birth plan for a planned c-section? It looks like I will probably have a repeat c in December, as my doctor doesn't think I will be a good candidate for VBAC (various reasons, don't care to go into). Having one c-section experience behind me, I know there are certain things that I would like to request or clear with my ob ahead of time. I was wondering if anyone had heard of putting down in writing and discussing it with the ob ahead of time, and nurse at the hospital?

If so, what would you include? Some things that have come to mind...
- Who will be in the OR (we are allowed to have 2 people at my hospital, not that I would want to)
- Verify that allowed to take pictures. In our new hospital booklet, it says no pictures in the OR. I think this has changed from last time, and frankly has me pretty bummed.
- Instruct that I want to see and hold baby in OR, with some assistance
- Instruct that MUST try to nurse within the first hour, when I am in recovery (unless there circumstances preventing). My DS#1 had low glucose, and they had to give him bottles of formula to bring his sugar up. This ended up presenting some challenges with the start of our bfing.
- Nurses give baby first bath in recovery nursery (this is a new feature in our hospital)
- Verify that anesthesiologist knows about tendency for severe nausea with morphine. I know there is something they can put in the IV or epidural to prevent heaving, like I had last time
- Find out if it is possible to receive pain medication without me requesting it for first 24 hours. Having to remember to ask every 4 hours was a huge PITA, and led to the most severe pain one time when I overslept and woke up after the meds had worn off.

Would welcome any thoughts or suggestions. :D

phart

08-23-2005, 12:32 PM

Hi Ali:-)

I absolutely had a birthplan for my c/b and nobody batted an eye so I say go for it!

Winter Biscuit

08-23-2005, 02:41 PM

I absolutely had a birthplan for my c/b

Me too. I had less than 24 hours to revise my birth plan once I learned I was having a scheduled c/s. I had been anticipating a vaginal birth and my original birthplan didn't mention anything about "in the event I need a c/s..."

I like all of your ideas. Mine said something about nursing ASAP too, but I do remember that I was too nauseous to hold the baby and I just remember the nurse trying to get DD to latch on while I sat there in silence and hoped I wouldn't puke all over my precious little baby :( Having said that, I think it's a great idea to ask for the anti-nausea meds in advance. My DD was born at 7:47am and I puked every single hour until 4pm that day. They administered some anti-nausea drugs to me via my IV around 9am when I was still throwing up, but they didn't work. At 3pm they gave me a different type of anti-nausea med via IV and it apparently worked as I did not throw up again after 4pm. It would've been great to have those meds from the get-go because it was NOT fun to puke. :(

Akire

08-23-2005, 04:44 PM

Another C-Section momma here. I had my c-section 16 days ago & feel great! My recovery wasn't bad at all but then again I had an epidural the administered drugs for the 1st day. I was released on the 2nd day with a RX for vicodin & toradol. I took those for about 5 days & all is going really well. Stair were no problem, nor was my 1st time getting up (24 hours afterwards). My c-section was not planned, I stopped dilating @ 7cm & my DD was starting to stress, but I'd def. do it again.

BuffaloBlondie

09-10-2005, 09:14 PM

I am another c/s mommy -almost 2 weeks ago, August 30! The c/s wasn't that bad. I was induced on a Monday and nothing was happening, so they started the pitocin again on Tuesday. Again, nothing was happening...except HORRIBLE CONTRACTIONS!! I was a little dilated, but our baby was still very high up. My dr. ordered a c/s at 5pm and Brady was delivered at 6:03pm. I was just sooo happy to have him out that it didn't matter that I had a c/s.

RECOVERY ~ the first couple of days were hard- I totally agree with getting up and moving around. Walking around the hospital felt really good. It seemed the more I sat around in bed the more it hurt when I got up. I am still having some pain in my incision. It kind of feels like a tug, but only at the ends of my incision.

??QUESTIONS??
~How long did your bleeding last? (vaginally speaking)
I am still bleeding A LOT. I am not sure how normal this is.

allyray231

09-11-2005, 06:41 AM

I think my bledding was about 5 weeks--it was really heavy for about 4 1/2

December27JJB

09-11-2005, 06:50 AM

I bled for about 4-5 weeks. But if you are passing large blood clots, please call your doctor. I hope everything is ok.

BuffaloBlondie

09-11-2005, 10:48 AM

Thank you for the replies- I am not passing large clots, thankfully. I just didn't realize that I would still be bleeding as much.

elly

09-12-2005, 03:37 PM

hi! i just had a c section this past Tuesday. i have a prescription for vicodin and motrin. how long were you all on your pain meds? i don't want to get addicted but tylenol just doesn't take away the soreness/back pain like vicodin. what is the best way to get off of vicodin? also, is vicodin really ok to take while breastfeeding?

thanks so much for your help! :)

HGMorgann

09-12-2005, 04:13 PM

I think I took the "good stuff" for about 10 days. I slowly started taking less and less. Actually, come to think about it, I was still taking 1 a day at 14 days Post C-section. 15 days Post c-Setion I had one pill left for "a bad day" that I never took.

My Rx was not refillable, so I just allocated "X" amount of pills for each day, lowering the amount each day.

jennylou

09-12-2005, 04:28 PM

Winter Biscuit

09-12-2005, 05:17 PM

I was off my pain peds by 1 week postpartum. I was still a little uncomfortable at that point, but nothing that I felt warranted popping a Vicodin.

I don't have the list of BF-safe drugs in front of me (my BF days have been over since DD was 13 months old - she's almost 21 months now) but I remember asking about Vicodin in the hospital and being told it was safe. It seems to me that they wouldn't prescribe it to so many mothers if it wasn't safe for BFing, but I can understand your concern and wanting to double check. It did not affect my supply that first week, and I did not notice any effects on DD either, so from my own personal experience it seemed safe :)

lady1297

09-12-2005, 06:50 PM

Sorry to hijack, but my gf in california just had a crash C-section. I feel so terrible since things didn't go well during it or before it. I live across the country. Any suggestions as to what I can do for her from here? I want to do something.

allyray231

09-12-2005, 07:44 PM

ladyone of the best things that I got while recovering was omaha steaks. The last thing you want to do after a new baby and a csection is cook. Or maybe if there is a local spa she likes that would be ncie too

ButterflyJen

09-12-2005, 07:47 PM

Oh yes, Rita, send her GCs for dinners. Especially try to find places that will deliver - she will be so happy that she doesn't have to get up and cook.

lorbo

09-12-2005, 11:26 PM

had an emergent c/s with DS-rh disease, low blood count and hemoglobin count, etc.

the worse thing about the c/s after (before was the anticipation-i tried to put up a front, asking the nurses to shave my legs)...had to be learning to get up and dealing with the gas ripping thru my gut-sorry if it's TMI, god, that killed...and i was a sucker for punishment, pushing my pain meds to only twice a day-the first few days i was practically bawling my eyes out when i was at my breaking point-but the nurses never actually said i could have medication every so many hours.

lady1297

09-13-2005, 06:15 AM

Thank you. I think I'll go for the GC. NOw to figure out where to....

HGMorgann

09-13-2005, 09:46 AM

Maybe a restaraunt that has "curb side" service? I did enjoy going out to dinner after my C/S. We actually went out quite a bit afterwards. It was my "big trip" of the day and kept me feeling sane and not so couped up. I tried to get out of the house everyday and I think that helped my recovery tremendously. I know many drs. recommend babies not going in "public" until 6 wks, but we kept her covered up and all;-)

Koala_Gurl

09-13-2005, 10:12 AM

Oh yeah, gas can be so painful after the C/S.

The hospital was giving me gas-x every 4 hours, and on the way home, I forgot to get some. That was my "emergency" run for DH...not the pain killers but to get the gas-x!!

amyhky

09-15-2005, 09:37 PM

I have a question for elly and anyone else who has 2 close in age for that matter. My son will be 16 mo. old when I have my 2nd son, who will be a scheduled C/S and a friend of mine said her Dr. said not to pick up her daughter for 6 weeks after her C/S, that is NOT going to be possible for me once my mom leaves and my DH goes back to work. Has anyone else been given this advice and if so, what are you going to do? My DS will still be very much a baby and will need my love and affection more so, not less, you know?

Also, w/a scheduled C/S (I had an unscheduled one w/my 1st), are you going to have an epidural or a spinal? I've heard of some people having a spinal instead, does anyone know the advantages or disadvantages to doing this?

Where can I find sample birth plans (I know I got one off a website for my 1st child but I can't remember where!) online? Maybe they have c/s birth plans as well?

Sorry for so many questions, thanks in advance!

wagsgirl

09-16-2005, 07:57 AM

Well, my two are 2 yrs apart, but the situation is the same. My doc said to pick up nothing over 10lbs for 2 weeks. After that, it was pretty much my discretion...

Jessie

09-16-2005, 12:15 PM

I had an epidural with my first c/s and a spinal for the next two. I MUCH preferred the spinal. It was a much easier placement for me. The spinals also wore off quicker than the epi.

HGMorgann

09-16-2005, 01:46 PM

elly

09-16-2005, 03:16 PM

[QUOTE=amyhky]I have a question for elly and anyone else who has 2 close in age for that matter. My son will be 16 mo. old when I have my 2nd son, who will be a scheduled C/S and a friend of mine said her Dr. said not to pick up her daughter for 6 weeks after her C/S, that is NOT going to be possible for me once my mom leaves and my DH goes back to work. Has anyone else been given this advice and if so, what are you going to do? My DS will still be very much a baby and will need my love and affection more so, not less, you know?

Also, w/a scheduled C/S (I had an unscheduled one w/my 1st), are you going to have an epidural or a spinal? I've heard of some people having a spinal instead, does anyone know the advantages or disadvantages to doing this?

AmyHKY~ I'm glad I checked back with this thread and saw your question! I had a spinal and it was wonderful! My epidural with my 1st daughter didn't numb everything so I was thrilled that the spinal worked very well. I could still move my hands, my breathing wasn't affected at all, and I never got a spinal headache or anything (all things I worried about). Different anesthesiologists prefer different methods of numbing you. During my Pre Op appt, I was able to meet with my anesthesiologist and talk to him about what would happen. He answered a million questions and made me feel much better!

I can't even remember if my dr. told me to wait 6 weeks or is that is just what I've read on the internet!! I will ask at my 2 week appt and see what he says! It is really hard not to pick up my 14 month old!! She doesn't understand but thankfully we have had both grandmas here (still have one) and when she wants me to pick her up I just hold her hand and lead her to a couch or chair where she can climb up and hug me! I can also sit with her on the floor. I'm sure I won't be able to wait the entire 6 weeks!! When Gma leaves it will be 3.5 weeks so I will have to pick her up to put her in her crib or get her in her carseat. (my mom suggested we get a little ladder for DD to climb onto from her crib so I could hold her hand and help her walk down...haha, she would prob. love that but we'll see) Other than that, she climbs stairs by herself and can climb in her high chair by herself so I really won't have to lift her much. She is getting alot of extra attention from her daddy right now which helps!! :) I'm not sure about the c/s birth plan....I just made my dr. and nurses aware of my preferences. Good luck!! :D

happy1nuv

09-16-2005, 04:22 PM

jennylou

09-16-2005, 04:36 PM

I am in total love with my daughter. However, sometimes I feel like I missed out on something, by not pushing her out. Do you ever feel that? I reminice on what I could have / should have/ should not have done - and maybe we could have had a V-birth. I know its silly, I am so glad she is here and safe...but sometimes I just wish it was by a different mode. Am I being stupid?

I feel like I've missed out on the vaginal birth and pushing. Of course, it pales in comparision to everything else that I get to miss out on. It also makes me a little sad that if I get pregnant quickly (which we really want to) I will probably *have* to have a repeat c/s because I won't have the 18 months in between. It's a double edged sword, I don't want another c/s, but I'm not willing to wait that long.

StefanieMaria

09-18-2005, 03:16 PM

I've had two scheduled c-sections because there is something wrong with my pelvic bones and a vaginal birth isn't possible. Many women in my family have this problem. And even though I know a vaginal birth wasn't a possibility, I still feel like I missed something. My Dr said something to me that kind of helped. She said I shouldn't be upset about something I can't change, and grateful that there was a way to get the babies out, because I probably would have died along with my baby had I tried to give birth a century ago. :eek: I guess sometimes you just have to accept the inevitable.

December27JJB

09-18-2005, 05:22 PM

HGMorgann ... Yep, I'm right there with you. I'm extremely grateful that Nic arrived healthy and beautiful ... and i loved my pregnancy, and the c itself and recovery, for me, was a beeze ... but i had planned to go w/o drugs or interventions. I had visualized my perfect birth so many times ... sometimes it makes me sad, smetimes it makes me mad at myself (had a c cause nic turned breech two days before he was born ... i had joked to dh one night about him turning b/c of all his movement ... if i had just listened to myself, i might have been able to get him to turn back around ...kwim... mostly, it just makes me all the more determined that next time will be different...

Ya live and ya learn...

:)

I am there too. DD flipped sometime between friday-sunday (she was born monday) before she was born. I had wanted v-birth, but with epidural, and I had visualized it forever. Pushing the baby out, having the dr put the baby on my chest, crying with DH and kissing DH and then breastfeeding right there. Unfortunately, that didnt happen. I so happy DD arrived happy and healthy although she was 3 weeks early. I asked my dr about a VBAC she said "Not a good idea. I dont recommend it." :mad: I may look for another dr/opinion when I plan on TTC again in a few years.

strawberry4

09-18-2005, 05:28 PM

Quick question: I am having a planned c/s. My hospital has a pretty stringent rooming in policy (they really encourage it). I am worried about recovering from major surgery and taking care of a baby 24/7 immediately after surgery? How did it go for those of you that had the baby stay with you after your c/s?

DanaLynn

09-18-2005, 06:01 PM

strawberry4-My husband stayed in the room with me and he would change all the diapers and hand the baby to me when she needed to eat. The next day I was doing everything myself.
You can always beg the nurses to take the baby to the nursery for a few hours at a time.

wagsgirl

09-18-2005, 06:09 PM

I honestly can't believe that a hospital would "force" a mother to keep her baby with her 24/7 right after major surgery.

When I had my DD after 27 hrs of labor and then a c/s, she was in the nursery quite often at night because I was still hooked up to IV's and etc...I had her mostly during the day because other people (visitors) were there as well to help me out.

When I had my DS, he was a planned c-section. Although recovery was much easier the second time around being planned, I still sent him that first night for a couple hours just to get a bit of rest. He was with me the rest of the time and we managed just fine. He was/is much more the cuddler than my daughter, so he didn't want to be away from me anyway. It's amazing the difference between c-sections...unplanned and planned.

My hospital prefers you keep the baby, too, but after major surgery, they understand. Especially if you're in the room alone at night

strawberry4

09-18-2005, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the replies. I don't think they "force" you but they highly encourage it. The literature they gave me made me feel guilty for even questioning it. Family is from quite a distance away and it will be my DH and I only. I know we will be fine...I am just anxious about it.

Thanks again.

ButterflyJen

09-18-2005, 06:44 PM

strawberry - our hospital strongly encouraged rooming-in also, and, in fact, every time we went to the nursery there were no babies there. However, DD spent 99% of her time in an isolette to keep her temperature up (she was IUGR/LBW and had absolutely no fat on her), and was only brought to us to eat (probably 7-8 times/day, for an hour at a time only). Honestly, I don't know how I would have handled it at first, but as time went on I was devastated every time they had to take DD back to the nursery. Anyway - I would say do what you feel comfortable with. If you need sleep, or need to get your energy back, by all means don't feel bad about sending your DC to the nursery for a bit (or for the night, excluding feeding times!). Yes, rooming-in is wonderful, but you'll be doing it full-time as soon as you get home. The hospital is kind of your chance to try to rest and recover from surgery as much as you can. That's just the way I see it, of course, but I wanted to share.

Congratulations to you! :)

happy1nuv

09-18-2005, 07:07 PM

ok, i haven't researched this at all ... but, if you get pg and are due w/in 18 mos ... you have to have a repeat c? really?

elly

09-18-2005, 07:09 PM

happy1nuv~ i'm sure each dr. is different but just wanted to let you know that my dr. was completely ok with me trying a VBAC this time around if i wanted to. (they are 14 months apart!) i chose a repeat c section though.

jennylou

09-18-2005, 07:16 PM

ok, i haven't researched this at all ... but, if you get pg and are due w/in 18 mos ... you have to have a repeat c? really?

That's the recommended ACOG guidelines. I haven't talked with my OBGYN about it yet. Hopefully, she'll be nice like elly's doc and let me try sooner (that is if I get PG by then!).

amyhky

09-18-2005, 07:30 PM

strawberry4 Our hospital's rooming in policy for c/s moms was someone else had to stay in the room as well to take care of baby. My DH stayed in the room the whole time w/my 1st DS and will do the same w/my 2nd DS b/c I couldn't get out of bed to change his diaper and my DH brought him to me whenever he needed to nurse.

Jessie

09-18-2005, 09:30 PM

Our hospital strongly encourages rooming in too. For my last c/s I was pretty much on my own since I don't have any family near by and my DH was home with our 5-year-old. It wasn't bad at all. I was up and around very quickly though so that made it easier.

phart

09-19-2005, 08:07 AM

My hospital also encourages rooming in and it was fine for us. DH stayed the whole time but DS was mostly in bed with me...the only time he was in the plastic bin (sorry, I didn't care for that thing at all) was when he got a diaper change a time or two. The rest of the diaper changes were done on my bed. He was never in the nursery and the nurse told us on Wednesday that the nursery hadn't been open since Saturday and that was because the baby *needed* to be in there.

Anyway, it's doable. :)

HGMorgann

09-19-2005, 11:02 AM

December Personally, I would find a new OB. The risks involved with c/s are more than V-births for the most part. Actually the first thing my OB said to me after my daughter was born (she was "sunny side up breach) was that I had an excellent chance of V-birth next time:-)

18 mo rule I have heard this too. We aren't exactly TTC right now, however, we are not preventing (took us 18 mo to get pg w/ dd), but I would hope to be able to find a dr. or midwife who would do VBAC if I did get pg in the next 3 months.

rooming in Honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. I missed her like mad when they took her for a bath and would watch them from the window. She stayed in the bed with me or in Dh's or other families arms 24/7 for the most part. The first day, my Dh did all the diapers and picking up, but after that, i could manage her...and she was big baby 9-3! I was defintely picking up more than 10 lbs before the recommend time.

solongtogo

09-22-2005, 02:31 PM

2 questions..

there is one little area of my incision that is still a bit open and leaking a clear fluid..should I call the dr. about this?

and..

when I was delivering baby, my right arm started hurting very much. It's still achy to this day..I asked the doc and she said that because the liver (or maybe it was some other organ) is on the right side, the drainage was being blocked and this happens. Did this happen to you, and when did your arm stop aching? It's tough using that arm on very sore days...

allyray231

09-22-2005, 04:33 PM

solongtogo-you should call the doc about the incision--better safe then sorry

I don't know about the arm pain

ButterflyJen

09-22-2005, 04:54 PM

I agree, solongtogo - I would call your doctor ASAP about the incision.

As for the arm pain - I had that, too, during the surgery. It was while they were putting everything back together. I mentioned it to the nurse and he said they were working on my uterus, so the pain was radiating (since my body was deadened from my chest down, the pain had to go somewhere, I guess). I didn't feel it afterwards though - I'd probably mention this to the doctor as well.

cc8

09-22-2005, 07:13 PM

solongtogo ,

RE: Clear Fluid

This happened to me too. My doc checked it out and all was fine - it was just "serum" from the blood, but I agree with others, better to be safe and check it out.

My incision leaked serum pretty heavily; in fact, I wound up using surgical tape to tape gauze over the incision, which I had to change 2x a day. This happed for 2 weeks after my C/S and then it stopped completely.

jarm

09-27-2005, 07:12 PM

Hi ladies!

I had a c/s 2 years ago. I am due with our 2nd in May. We were told today that I could try a VBAC, but it's up to me. DH says that it's up to me. I hate having to make these huge decisions by myself. I didn't meet with a "doctor" today, so I will discuss this further at my appointment with the doctor in October. I guess I just want to educate myself as much as I can before I make a final decision.

I have several reasons for wanting a VBAC, but I also have some reasons for an ERC. There are a lot of selfish reasons, on both sides, but I was wondering if anyone in here had a VBAC and what was your experience.

TIA!

amyhky

09-27-2005, 07:21 PM

I've heard that the VBAC Companion is a really good book to read if you're considering a VBAC.

Katyanne

09-29-2005, 08:49 PM

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but I've been thinking about this for awhile.

On Monday I had what I thought was going to be a simple laprosscopy but unfortunately there were complications and they ended up having to give me a C- section type inscision and I ended up spending MOnday night in the hospital. I'm now off of work for 4 weeks and unable to drive for 2 wks. My sister saw it today and says its just a little smaller than a normal c-section incision.

I just have to tell everyone that has had a c-section that I admire you so much and admire your strength. I'm exhausted and in so much pain and I didn't even go through labor. I couldn't imagine going through something like this and then taking care of a newborn. You are all my hero's.

Katie

Jane&Andy

03-26-2006, 04:29 PM

just bumping this up and subscribing. I had a c-section 10 days ago after a failed induction for high BP.

HGMorgann

03-26-2006, 07:43 PM

katyann a friend of mine had a c/s like surgery due to a huge ovarian cyst. She actually had a harder time with recovery than I did. I think it could actually be harder on you because you aren't getting the extra pampering like PP moms. I hope you feel better soon! Rest rest rest!

Chicksinger

03-27-2006, 12:16 PM

Jane&Andy Is there anything is particular we can help you with? One thing I would say is, even if you are feeling better, really really try to avoid lifting ANYTHING except the baby, and don't reach up and stretch too high yet. I thought I was fine and ended up prolonging recovery by another 3 weeks. Be careful!

Jane&Andy

03-27-2006, 12:42 PM

nothing specific at this point. I did too much the other day and my incision started leaking serum so I'm taking it easy now. I wanted to do some reading in this thread, just haven't had a chance yet.

Chicksinger

03-27-2006, 12:46 PM

Okay, just don't be a hero! Now is the time to ask for every bit of help you can possibly get. That way, you will heal faster and stronger. My c/s was one of the worst ever, so I am hoping you will soon be on the mend!

wagsgirl

04-01-2006, 06:13 PM

Jane&Andy-My DD's delivery was the same way. Induced for high bp and ended up with a c-section. Actually, her weight wasn't very far off either. 6.8. Anyway, I agree with the pp's. TAKE IT EASY!!! Don't cook, don't clean, don't lift. Nothing. It will make recovery go MUCH quicker!!

Congrats, BTW. He looks gorgeous in your avatar! :)

Pookie

04-01-2006, 11:12 PM

Hi Ladies,
We're starting to think about TTC #2 at some point in the distant future, but I'm a planner so I'm already thinking about this. I ended up having a high risk pg and delivery. My OB wanted me to have a c/s. Since my high risk issues will be mostly be the same next time, I'm thinking of listening to her on the c/s next time. My question is, if a c/s isn't totally necessary would you do it? I guess I'm a total pain whimp and don't know if I could handle the recovery? TIA

HGMorgann

04-02-2006, 10:32 AM

I wouldn't do a planned c/s, but thats just me. I would have a VERY hard time TTC if I didn't have hope for a VBAC. Those are just my thoughts. I have had a hard time dealing with the loss of a vaginal delivery. I know to some that is stupid...

On the other hand, I have heard recovery from a planned c/s is easier than one after a long labor.

jennylou

04-02-2006, 10:36 AM

DanaLynn

04-02-2006, 10:58 AM

if a c/s isn't totally necessary would you do it?
Yes and I did. I was offered a VBAC, but I declined. I loved both of my c-sections. I don't feel like I missed out on anything.

jmvan74

04-02-2006, 12:20 PM

My c-sec was due to failure to progress. I will be scheduling a c-sec for the next baby. I don't even want to attempt vbac. I will not put myself in the position of going through labor and ultimately having a c. However, if I'd had a vaginally delivery first, I most likely would not opt for a c unless absolutely necessary.

Jane&Andy

04-02-2006, 12:37 PM

thanks for the advice. :) My sister has been here this weekend so I've had some extra help.

Chicksinger

04-02-2006, 12:52 PM

Jane&Andy Yay for good help!

Pookie I really want a VBAC. I just interviewed a new OB who said no way, no how, so I am looking for someone else who will at least review my folder and talk to me about it. However, I didn't think about this: I will not put myself in the position of going through labor and ultimately having a c. I still think I'd really like to try, I guess because 1 day in the hospital with 4 (possible) stitches sounds a lot better to me than 3 days in the hospital with 12 stitches and a huge incision through my ab muscles!

solongtogo

04-02-2006, 01:03 PM

I am undecided on whether or not our next pregnancy will be csection or vbac. I sort of want the experience of going into labor, which I did not with my first, and having a baby naturally. I shouldn't be thinking of it since #2 is no where near being concieved...but it's in the back of my mind.

Sophia

04-02-2006, 01:37 PM

I had a scheduled c/s with DD and will be scheduling again with this baby, but I still consider it necessary because the reason I ended up with a c/s for DS was CPD.

The recovery from my second c/s was much easier than from my first.

wagsgirl

04-02-2006, 02:32 PM

It's true that a planned c-section is much easier to recover from than a c-section after a long labor. I was in labor for 27 hrs with my DD and ended up with a c-section. I was induced with her at 36 1/2 weeks and I didn't progress. With my DS, I did schedule a c-section at 39 weeks, but my doc stated that if I went into labor on my own, she'd let me try for a vbac. I really wanted a vbac. I REEEEALLY wanted the vbac. When the date of the c-section came around, my doc even offered to put it off for another week to see if I'd go into labor. But even at 39 weeks, I wasn't dilated at all and no effacement. In the end, I realized that as much as I wanted a vaginal delivery, my body just didn't want to do it. So, I went ahead and had the 2nd c-section. I do feel like I missed out on something having not given birth vaginally. But in the end, it was what was best for me and my DS and my family. He was healthy, I was healthy. That was all that mattered. I still gave birth and I'm very proud of myself for it. Just not the way every woman imagines it to be. I know that once we're ready to TTC #3, a vaginal delivery isn't in the cards. (My doc won't do one once you've had 2). And that's ok. I still am just as much of a woman as any of my friends who've given birth vaginally.

:)

Pookie

04-02-2006, 11:33 PM

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I did have an induced vag birth with DS, although I did end up with some PP complications related to that. My OB had wanted me to have a c/s the week before DS was born. We "compromised" on hospital bedrest for a week before my induction. I know each child is a different experience, but I just next time to be different. FWIW, I've had 2 docs since tell me it was not smart to not heed my OB's advice given my issues.

neenbean

04-03-2006, 11:06 AM

DD was born 12 1/2 months ago via c-section for a LOT of reasons...
~low amniotic fluid
~high B/P
~losing her HB TWICE :eek: despite an internal monitor
~pure exhaustion after 3 days of labor
~no progression (dialated to 1.5 cm after 3 days of pitocin and cervadil)

Now that I am pregnant again, I will most likely schedule a repeat. I have a new OB and we have not discussed this yet (I meet with them later this month). However, after the stress of an induction gone bad AND watching DD's heartrate go down to nothing TWICE, I refuse to experience that again. With that said, if I go into labor on my own before my c-section date, I will gladly do a VBAC :) I am just not aiming to have one.

Marisa

04-03-2006, 11:58 AM

What I'm thinking right now (nowhere close to being pregnant with #2 of course!) is that I'd really like to try for a VBAC. I believe that the situation surrounding my c/s with my son was a very specific one -- he was looking up at the birth canal, and I stalled at 8 cm for over four hours. (Of course, we didn't find out that that was the reason until after he was born with bruising on his forehead...)

Anyway, what I'm thinking is that even if a VBAC is not in the cards for me, I'd really like to go into labor first, before having the c/s. I know some of you think it's crazy, but I kind of like the idea of the baby/my body deciding when it's ready, rather than having an appointment. At least, that way, I'd feel like something about it was going 'naturally'. KWIM?

It would take me a half hour to get to any hospital I could deliver at anyway... so if I called ahead I'm sure that's enough time to prep an OR if that's what wound up being necessary.

phart

04-04-2006, 06:53 AM

Anyway, what I'm thinking is that even if a VBAC is not in the cards for me, I'd really like to go into labor first, before having the c/s.

Not crazy:) At least I don't think so! This was our plan if the VBAC didn't work out even if she was breech. I never labored with Aiden and really wanted to experience that in case Maura was our last child.

Renrel

04-04-2006, 07:27 AM

Marisa - My first experience is what you are describing and I was very happy with it. I was scheduled for a C-Section but my water broke the night before and they did not want to do the surgury until my stomach was empty if possible. I am really glad I got to experience the labor. I wish I could have gone longer but we really did not want DS to enter the birth canal since we were going for a C-section due to size. We decided the risks were not worth the experience for me. (He was estimated at 10 lbs 9 oz and came out at 10 lbs 6 oz. ) I labored from around midnight to around 7:30am. Not the longest labor but enough to feel like I did something and have some idea what the experience was all about, even if I did not reach the point of really bad pain and really hard work. It did hurt and I was working with my body to control the pain.

I am not sure if I will go for a VBAC next time or not. May depend on if I have another big kid. May not be wise to try and push out big kids with a altered uterus. We will see. But I really hope to at least be able to labor again. I think that allowed for a transition from pg to mom that was very helpful to me. Even though I was gearing up to go as natural as possible I was quite satisifed with my birth experience. I did not feel like my body let me down or I failed or anything like that.

neenbean

04-04-2006, 09:24 AM

Marisa~ I agree with wanting to wait until your body goes into labor on its own. I wanted to do that with DD, but she was past her EDD, the u/s had her measuring at over 9lbs (9lbs, 3ozs at birth) and an estimated 2 oz. of amniotic fluid left- not the best conditions for labor. If the opportunity presents itself and this baby is not HUGE, I will gladly go for a VBAC. I did not experience much labor and am curious as to how I will feel. I think it is such an amazing time that is worth knowing what it is like- even if I do end up in the OR again.

ETA: When the OB broke my water, nothing dripped out- not one drop. That was scary in itself.

Just curious if anyone else had this happen?? or someone you know? And still progressed into labor?

mel7dog

05-09-2006, 05:40 AM

Reading up and subscribing! I had a c-section a week and a half ago after 40 hours of labor :(
The whole experience wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The first few days were hard, but not terrible. As for having a VBAC vs. scheduled c-section with the next baby, I am still undecided. My whole labor experience was pretty tramatic and right now going through something like that again scares me. I will worry about the decision in a few years when I am actually pg with #2.

I am wondering when everyone was able to work out after their c-section. I have been walking a little bit, but am a lot slower than I used to be. My Dr. told me to wait till my 6w apt to even think about running. What were your experiences with exercising?

HGMorgann

05-09-2006, 07:09 AM

mel take it slow, but also listen to your body. I started working out at 4 weeks -just walking and slow at first, but I quickly was able to do more and more each day. Morgann and I would go on at least 2 walks each day b/c it would cure fussiness. By 6 weeks, I was able to run a little bit (like 1/4 a mile) It felt funny though, but not painful and I had no problems from it. Anyways! I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly. Walking is defintely OK now, just go slow and stop before you get tired/sore!

allyray231

05-09-2006, 07:12 AM

mel Congrats on your little one! I agree with HGtake it slow and listen to your body. At 4 weeks I would take Aiden out for walks -first just for a bit but evetually I could go out for a few hours.

Jane&Andy

05-09-2006, 08:16 AM

I did a few sit ups at 6wks and ended up sore around my incision for a day and a half so I haven't done those since, I need to try again soon. Aside from that I've just been walking. My stamina was pretty low at first but its improving. Just take it easy and go slow. You'll feel better and move faster soon if you don't push yourself too much.

Marisa

05-09-2006, 11:32 AM

mel -- I agree with the previous posters. On the days that I felt great in the first few weeks, I definitely 'overdid' it. I remember feeling pretty good around week 2, thinking, "this recovery was a piece of cake." But it's still major abdominal surgery, KWIM? I wound up feeling sore and lousy after a few days of pushing myself too hard, and I actually believe that I prolonged my recovery by not letting myself take it easy for those first few weeks.

Sophia

05-09-2006, 12:14 PM

I agree with the PPs. Take it slow & steady.

jarm

05-25-2006, 08:03 AM

I just had an ERC last Wednesday. Ever since, I have been experiencing this awful sporadic back pain. Anyone have any idea if it could have been caused by the spinal? TIA!

BuffaloBlondie

05-25-2006, 08:28 PM

wagsgirl

05-25-2006, 09:30 PM

jarm-Congrats on the birth of Rachael! I'm sorry, but I have no idea about the back pain. I've had 2 c-sections and haven't had any back pain...

BuffaloBlondie-I'm 15 months out from my 2nd c-section and I was just itching the scar tonight! ;) Was it just coincidence? Probably. Mine never really itched after surgery. I healed very well and very quickly. I still have the scar. Always will...It will fade, yes, but for me, it will never go away.

losthoosier

05-26-2006, 12:31 AM

I am also subscribing I had a C-section on March 17 after no progression. I healed really fast from the C-section as I got out of bed the next day as I am not one to let me people take care of me. The Dr said that is what helped me heal fast. I am not recommending everyone jump out of bed it just what I had to do to get over the pain

Has anyone else lost feeling around there scar. There will be days where I have no feeling or little feeling. It feels like when you go to the Dentist and the numbness is wearing off just wondering if I am crazy.

neenbean

05-26-2006, 05:33 AM

jarm~ I would definitely call your doctor. You may have pulled something, too. I have not had that problem and I am 14 months pp.

BuffaloBlondie~ my scar still itches on occasion. Have you tried moisturizer without alcohol? That helps me. My scar is lighter in some places than others. I hear it will just get lighter as time goes by- much like any other scars you may have. How have your other scars healed?

losthoosier~ DD is 14 months and the feeling has still not returned in sections around my scar... According to my OB, that is normal, but I definitely think it is weird. :p

jarm

05-26-2006, 05:51 AM

Thanks for the input on the back pain. I found out that on top of everything else, I have a UTI. Just great!

Scar -- OMG...it is the itchiest thing in the world. I found it was even itchier when I was pregnant with my second.

Sophia

05-26-2006, 05:57 AM

jarm: I don't recall back pain like what you describe. I'd ask my doc about that.

Scar: I did lose feeling around the incision area that lasted for quite a while and gradually the numb area got smaller and went away. Once the numbness was gone, there was also itching. As far as appearance, mine tended to fade on the sides first and stayed red in the middle longer, but eventually (I'm talking years) the whole thing was barely noticable. Of course now I have to go through that all again soon. ;)

HGMorgann

05-26-2006, 07:03 AM

jarm I'm sorry about the UTI. They are pretty common after c/s b/c of the catheter. I had one too. You will start feeling better fast now if you are on antibiotics. Do you still have the back pain? Could it have been from the UTI?

My scar has been pretty itchy lately, too.

neenbean

05-26-2006, 09:34 AM

UTI post c/s~ count me in on the list of those who had one, too. So.not.fun! Antibiotics and lots of water helps tremendously. :) Real cranberry juice (not the cocktail kind) is really helpful, too. The cocktail kind has too much sugar and can aid in giving you a yeast infection while taking the anitbiotics. Fun, huh?

jennylou

05-26-2006, 09:36 AM

I had a UTI after my c/s too. Sucky, suck, suck.

Marisa

05-26-2006, 09:57 AM

jarm -- where is the pain? If you have a UTI I wonder if it's a kidney thing? Has it been better since treating the UTI?

jarm

05-26-2006, 11:02 AM

I've only had two doses of the antibiotic. Now the funny part is that for the last three-ish weeks of my pregnancy, I had this awful back pain. Thinking it was back labor, I went to the doctor. They thought I had a kidney infection, but did not send me for tests. That weekend I had a high fever and basically slept all day and didn't drink or eat anything. I ended up at the hospital that night to get an IV. They did a urine culture, but supposedly it came out fine. The back pain continued, but it was only sporadic.

Fast forward to the hospital. I didn't have back pain while I was in the hospital. I did have pain emptying my bladder, but it was not consistent. I came home and back pain started, but it was not that bad and again sporadic. Then it started getting worse and worse. I finally called the doctor yesterday to find out the results, assuming they would have called if they weren't good. Obviously someone screwed up somewhere because the doctor said that the hospital hadn't sent the results over and they should have.

So the pain is still here today, but I've only had two doses of meds.

sandt8704

05-26-2006, 01:39 PM

Hi everyone..

I had a C-section with my DD after I didn't dilate past 3.5 cm. It all went to quickly, but the recovery was tough.

The reason I wanted to post was because I became quite sedentary afterwards. I tried to move around as much as possible, but it was pretty painful. Between breastfeeding and trying to heal, I didn't move too much. I exercised almost up until DD was born, so I think my body was in shock after.

Anyway, about 6 weeks after, I had a weird feeling in my leg. It felt like I pulled a calf muscle. Obviously that could not have been the case because I wasn't moving too much (just walking to the corner was hard!) My mother in law came over and saw how I was limping and she told me to call the doctor. They sent me for an ultrasound and I had a blood clot in my leg. Honestly, I would not have gone to the doctor if my MIL hadn't said anything. I was put in the hospital for 4 days to thin out my blood. Luckily, the clot hadn't traveled and all is OK now (although I am on Coumadin and have to go weekly to have blood drawn to make sure it's at the right consistency).

If you feel ANYTHING strange after your C-section...please call the doc! The hardest thing was not having my baby there with me at night.

RosegardenC

06-14-2006, 02:26 PM

Hi ladies Im new to this block of CC. I am 38 and I had a Csection 13 years ago. I dont know if I had a Transverse or a Classic, I am now preggers again and due in Sept. It it my desire to have a VBAC but I was told last week that I would not be able to if I indeed had a Classic C sec. as no doctor would risk it. Have any of you had classic c sections and a VBAC after? does anyone have any info on risk or anything?

Thanks
Rosey

Marisa

06-14-2006, 06:42 PM

Rosey -- it is my understanding that just about nobody will do a VBAC with a mama who has a classical incision, due to the much higher risk of uterine rupture. According to www.vbac.com, it's a 4-9% risk, compared to the less-than-1% risk with the vertical incision (or with no incision at all). :(

http://www.vbac.com/uterine.html

solongtogo

06-14-2006, 07:01 PM

buffalo I'm also 9 months out and my scar also looks like you described, and it also itches like crazy. Sometimes it starts to burn too...

jennylou

06-14-2006, 07:15 PM

I apologize if this has been asked, but does anyones c/s scar itch? I had mine 9 months ago & the scar just started itching like crazy!! Also, will the scar ever go away. Mine is faded in the middle, but not on the ends.

My c/s was just over a year ago. I was at the OBs the other day for an OB appt and out of the blue she asked to see my scar (she did the c/s). So, I showed her and she exclaimed over how good it looked and the fact that she could barely see it. Mind you, with me being pregnant, I haven't exactly been able to see down yonder for a while, so I had no idea what it looked like recently. Of course, when I got home I had to check in the mirror, and she was right, you can barely see it. Honestly, my stretch marks from my first pregnancy (not even this one!) are worse than my scar. So, I guess it depends on the person, but it should continue to fade over time.

dana b

09-13-2006, 06:51 PM

so far i'm pretty shocked at all that's been involved with my c-section. i guess i'm just a wuss, but i had no clue how awful the whole process is. i'm wondering from those who've been there, what should i expect recovery-wise. at what point will i not be so sore? when will i be able to look at the incision? (at this point just anyone going near it makes me faint). and for ro's - when will i be able to comfortably pick up my 2 yr old again?
it's so hard to feel like i can't do anything, i'm mostly wondering when i will feel like myself again? (i had my c-section sunday) tia!

vjel

09-13-2006, 07:12 PM

I think it varies from person to person really. I think it took a good month for me to feel better while my bff was out and about a week after her c-section. You really just need to listen to your body and do only what you think you/your body can handle. I know the more I went up and down the stairs, the more I bled (I was told to limit it to once/day). I couldn't just suddenly get up from a laying down position or else I would feel some discomfort in the abdominal area. I prob. wouldn't risk picking up your dd just yet. I would wait awhile (til the stitches disintegrate at least) so you don't hurt the incision or anything. Also, I've always been told that it's normal to still feel some tingling (not pain) in the incision area for up to a year.

Anyway, CONGRATS on you ds!!! Just take it easy as much as possible for now. Do you have anyone around to help? My dh stayed home w/ me for a month and it helped A LOT to have him do just about everything so that I could focus on the baby and recover from the surgery.

jennylou

09-13-2006, 07:30 PM

merged and moved.

Dana - I do agree that it's different for everyone. Follow your cues from your body and don't try to do too much too soon. Keep a pillow near you to help standing, coughing, etc. You scar is very fresh and yucky right now, but it will start to heal and close itself up. With my c/s, I didn't feel myself for months - BUT - that also probably had a lot to do with what I was dealing with at the time. I will tell you that I was able to lift, say, lumber and drywall to put it in the back of our pick up all by myself about (it's hard going to Lowe's by yourself on a Saturday when you can't find anyone to help!) three months post partum - so I'm sure you'll be able to lift your DC shortly. And if you're a wuss, so am I - which is why I so badly wanted a vbac - I wanted that shorter healing process. Congrats on your DS. :)

Medako

09-13-2006, 07:45 PM

I'd say it was a good month until I felt like I was ready to lift much of anything. At my 2 weeks appt the doctor felt that my incision had healed over well and that I could return to normal life, but I just wasn't quite ready. Take it a little at a time.

It took me 3-4 weeks before I was ready to actually look at my scar. I'd blindly wash in the slower and ask DH to make sure it looked like it was healing. I guess the thought of staples and then steri-strips having to hold me together kinda bothered me and I didn't want to see the "damage" myself...I had it in my mind that it was just a gross mangled mess - which it really wasn't.

neenbean

09-13-2006, 09:07 PM

My scar finally has feeling back in it- that took at least a year for certain portions, at least. It is starting to sting on occasion, now that my belly is getting big again. My OB isn't too worried, but plans to keep an eye on it. I touch it daily, but have not looked at it recently. When I last looked, the scar was basically skin-colored with only a tiny bit of pink in one area. I could still see it, but it was not imflammed or anything.

Any ROs that can calm my nerves???

In less than 10 weeks, I will be having a repeat c/s and am beginning to really worry about the recovery. My experience last time seems like a blur now- it has been 18 months. I have been trying to limit picking up DD so she gets used to me not being able to do so. I will have to walk up stairs 2-4 times/day after the surgery and am worried about this. Last time, I was able to limit stairs to once/day. My mom will be here to help with DD for 5 days, then DH will be taking at least 2 weeks, then my sis comes for 4 days... I am hoping this will help a LOT, but DD is has become a momma's girl in the last couple months.

diedra1027

09-13-2006, 10:43 PM

neenbean - I had uterine surgery (same exact incision as c/s) in June 04 and a c/s in May 05. My recovery from my c/s was SO much easier than my first surgery, I couldn't believe it. I'm sure it differs for everyone, but I barely needed to even take the pain relivers anymore when I got home with the baby. Stairs were tough (but again, not as bad as the first recovery) and I had to go up and down several times a day. I had to take it slow and easy, but I never had any problems. Now recovery dealing with a newborn and an active toddler...I can't say and hope that someone else can chime in on that because that has me scared to death ;).

Koala_Gurl

09-13-2006, 10:54 PM

neenbean - I was worried about it too! I am now 8 days post surgery, and feel pretty darn good. I am still taking the pain killers, but I think I can stop now (actually, I haven't taken one in several hours, and feel good still.) I do the stairs several times per day and have even had to pick DD up a handful of times (a no-no, I realize, but it had to be done!)

It is a tad more painful this time around, but really only slightly. My biggest issue has been having BMs. This was more painful than the last time for sure. But happy to say I am back to "normal!" :)

Otherwise, I am starting to really feel good now (not run a marathon good, but climb stairs without gripping the banister good.) :)

solongtogo

09-14-2006, 07:36 AM

My scar itches and sometimes burns a bit on occasion after a year out. It has healed up fairly nicely though

Sophia

09-14-2006, 07:50 AM

neenbeen: I've had 3 c-sections. The first was very painful (walking hunched over, needing a pillow for counterpressure, etc) and I had pain & discomfort for months PP. The second and third ones were very, very easy. I had practically no pain and was able to move around very quickly. I'm currently 2 months PP after #3 and I have absolutely no incision pain and haven't had any for weeks, probably over a month, and the pain I did have was very minor. This is what it was like after c/s #2 as well. It really was like night and day. I think it's because the first time you get that incision, lots of nerve endings are cut and that causes a lot of pain. By any subsequent c-sections, the nerves have healed but haven't reconnected, so when the new incisions are made they aren't cutting so many nerves.

neenbean

09-14-2006, 11:36 AM

Thank you ladies for sharing your experiences!!! It helps me a lot to hear a few people says things went better than the first c/s. My first surgery wasn't awful and I remember walking a lot by the first or 2nd week PP- like going to the mall or out for a walk. I hope I am feeling as good this time around!

My recovery from my c/s was SO much easier than my first surgery, I couldn't believe it. I'm sure it differs for everyone, but I barely needed to even take the pain relivers anymore when I got home with the baby.That is good to hear!

I am now 8 days post surgery, and feel pretty darn good. I am still taking the pain killers, but I think I can stop now (actually, I haven't taken one in several hours, and feel good still.) Awesome to know you are feeling so well so soon after the c/s!!! :) I know I will also *need* to pick DD up on occasion, but I am trying my best to avoid it now so we are ready. Congrats on feeling great!

It really was like night and day. I think it's because the first time you get that incision, lots of nerve endings are cut and that causes a lot of pain. By any subsequent c-sections, the nerves have healed but haven't reconnected, so when the new incisions are made they aren't cutting so many nerves.You must be right! I have heard a lot of women say the 2nd c/s is an easier recovery. I am just freaked about dealing with DD (20+ months on my EDD) and baby as well as healing at the same time.

dana b

09-15-2006, 04:30 PM

thanks everyone for the insight. i think it's been a while since most of you have had your c-sections, but i'm wondering if this is normal -- i'm 5 days post surgery and just last night my feet got really swollen and have been since, plus my entire body is really, really achy, kinda like the flu. is it normal to get more sore and achy before you feel better?

amyinlosangeles

09-15-2006, 04:36 PM

hi dana! congrats. :D
My feet and ankles were 100 times more swollen than when I was pregnant - it was horrible but went away after 2 weeks. I definitely felt achy like I was getting the flu too but it went away after about 1.5 weeks or so.

Sophia

09-15-2006, 04:58 PM

I had some swelling from the anesthetic, but it was immediatel afterwards, not days later. I never had flu-like symptoms. For some reason the thing that pops into my head is mastitis.

solongtogo

09-15-2006, 06:21 PM

Soulmate

09-15-2006, 06:25 PM

dana b I'd call your dr. In the hospital they would constantly check my feet and legs for swelling (didn't have any). I don't remember what it indicated was wrong but they would not discharge me if they were swollen. That with the flu-like symptoms would concern me.

Chicksinger

09-15-2006, 06:52 PM

dana b I agree with Soulmate--call your doctor. Are you just achy, or do you have a fever, too? (Read this calmly, and don't be scared, just call and ask for help.) If you have swelling AND fever, that could indicate infection.

vjel

09-15-2006, 06:59 PM

dana, i would call your dr. re: the flu-like symptoms too, just to be safe.

I had no swelling during my pregnancy either and then a couple days after surgery and for maybe 2 weeks following I had terrible swelling in my legs/feet/ankle. I was concerned when I was still in the hospital b/c I had never seen my feet SO swollen. My ob wasn't concerned and said it was normal.

jesseybell

09-15-2006, 10:40 PM

My feet were so incredibly swollen for 2-3 weeks - honestly, they were what hindered my recovery the most. But also probably kept me going slower than I wanted. It was painful to walk. I never thought they would go down and then all of a sudden one morning, poof, they were back to normal.

I am a completely wuss and still don't like to touch my scar, almost six weeks later. After about 4 weeks I finally pulled off the surgical tape. The scar is pretty red and the area itches (mainly the hair growing back). I pretty much wash my stomach (don't like to touch that either!) and let the soap wash over the scar.

When I was in the hospital I never thought I would recover! But once I was home (I was in for 5 nights since she was born at night) I could move around much better than I thought. I took the stairs way more than I should of and didn't rest enough. Perhaps that is why I am still bleeding at 5 1/2 weeks.

While the initial recovery was incredibly painful, I am all about the repeat c-section next time. No need to go through contractions ever again in my opinion! (I may not feel the same way when I have to leave my DD for 5 days next time, but I don't think my doctor will want to do a VBAC and I don't want one).

SeaPoet

09-16-2006, 09:23 PM

Just wanted to pipe in. :) I had a 10 lb. + baby with a c-section and after 6 weeks started physical therapy. It was SO helpful both physically and emotionally to meet with a physical therapist 2X/week. She not only helped slowly get my ab function back, but she did scar massage (freaked me out at first to have the area touched, but it helped cut down on the pain and sensitivity.) I would highly recommend it to everyone if you have the option. My OB wrote a prescription and it was covered by insurance! A side benefit is you get back in shape faster!

One question - how long until the scar was pain free? I'm 10 mos. pp and still get sore, esp. after a long day of lifting the baby.

Thanks. :)

neenbean

09-17-2006, 05:28 AM

Just wanted to pipe in. :) I had a 10 lb. + baby with a c-section and after 6 weeks started physical therapy. It was SO helpful both physically and emotionally to meet with a physical therapist 2X/week.
WOW! How did you convince your OB to write the 'script? I highly doubt mine would go for that, unless I give her a great reason... Suggestions? I do plan to do a 5K about 9 weeks PP, maybe I can mention this. What was her reason?

One question - how long until the scar was pain free? I'm 10 mos. pp and still get sore, esp. after a long day of lifting the baby.
I am sorry my memory is so bad, but as far as I can remember, my scar did not hurt at least by 12 months PP, but I am sure it was sooner. I still had numbness in areas for a long time as well, so that probably helped avoid pain. I am feeling my scar twinge (occasionally) now that I am about 30 weeks along with DC#2. :) HTH.

SeaPoet

09-17-2006, 09:36 PM

Neenbean - Thanks for the info. I hope you're right and I finally start to feel really back to normal soon. :) Congrats on your 2nd DC! As for the p.t., my OB is really progressive. She actually suggested the p.t., and told me she'd ok it as long as I felt it necessary. I was very weak after the c-section, and a hard time lifting the baby. If you ask your OB hopefully she will go for a prescription. Definitely talk to your OB about the 5K and any other reasons why you'd need extra help thru p.t. A 2nd c-section should be reason enough, but also if you've had back pain, hip pain or any additional stresses with your pregnancy. It was also is great as a mood booster, being able to talk to someone who understands and is there just for you and your needs. (Can I say enough good stuff? I should do an ad for them. ;) )